ACT

For many in the West, 'natural disasters' are a reason to question religious belief. In places like Haiti, popular faith can be a resource for empowerment and change. Maria Halava interviews a Pentecostal woman pastor from Haiti whose intense belief is both personal and radical in its commitment.

The capacity of the alliance of global churches from different Christian traditions "to respond to the challenges of today's world depends to a large extent on more creative and future-oriented forms of co-operation and networking," said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary the Rev Dr Samuel Kobia in launching a fresh ecumenical initiative.

After the intervention of the Ethiopian troops, the situation in Somalia continues to be very tense, with the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) refusing a government offer for amnesty, say church agencies working in the region.